German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met Zhejiang entrepreneurs in Hangzhou on Feb 26 with senior executives from around 30 leading German companies. The entrepreneurs expressed their hope and confidence in strengthening cooperation between Chinese and German companies.（Zhejiang International Communication Center）
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz paid an official visit to China from February 25 to 26. During his stay in Hangzhou, the German delegation engaged with several Chinese companies. Chancellor Merz visited Unitree Robotics and Siemens Energy. Follow ZICC for a full recap of his Hangzhou itinerary.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is paying his official visit to China from Feb 25 to 26, with Hangzhou serving as the second stop on his itinerary. He was accompanied by senior executives from around 30 leading German companies, spanning key sectors in which Germany holds strong advantages, including automotive, chemicals, biopharmaceuticals, and machinery manufacturing. Many…
Foundation phase identified as critical pressure point South Africa’s literacy challenge remains entrenched, with new data showing that a significant proportion of young learners are unable to read at even the most basic level after three years of formal schooling. The latest 2026 report from the 2030 Reading Panel reveals that 15% of Grade 3…
Growth strategy targets Gauteng, KZN and Western Cape Walmart has unveiled plans to significantly expand its footprint in South Africa, confirming that 21 additional stores are in the pipeline as it accelerates its national rollout. The announcement follows the opening of the retailer’s third fully branded South African outlet at Eastpoint Shopping Centre in Boksburg,…
Cost analysis questions value of pollution retrofit South Africa’s state power utility has cautioned that consumers could face even higher electricity tariffs if it proceeds with installing flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) technology at the Medupi Power Station. Eskom this week released a draft cost-benefit analysis for public comment, evaluating whether retrofitting Medupi with emissions-reduction equipment…
Province links crime prevention to economic recovery Gauteng authorities are preparing to introduce a new security initiative aimed at protecting some of the province’s most prominent shopping centres, in what officials describe as a broader strategy to reinforce public safety and stimulate economic growth. Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced that law enforcement agencies will be permanently…
Free schooling now covers majority of learners in South Africa More than two-thirds of children attending school in South Africa are no longer paying tuition fees, reflecting nearly two decades of policy shifts aimed at widening access to basic education. New data released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) shows that in 2024, 65.7% of…
South Africa is preparing to tighten its energy efficiency regulations for lighting products, with the second phase of its national light bulb ban scheduled to take effect on 23 May 2026. The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) has confirmed that regulatory systems are in place to implement the next stage, which increases the minimum…
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has confirmed that long-delayed plans to expand the Gautrain rapid rail network will resume this year once the current concession period concludes and ownership transfers fully to the provincial government. Speaking during his State of the Province Address, Lesufi said the public-private partnership that financed and delivered the system would formally…
